Beyond The Pump

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 CFCA Summit as Shelly Thomas, 2026 Summit General Chair, and Vincent "Vinny" Sullivan, Incoming Summit General Chair, share what makes this year's event one of the most anticipated gatherings in California's fuels and convenience industry. They discuss what attendees can expect, offer practical tips for making the most of the Summit, and highlight the value...

Ahead of CFCA Day at the Capitol, when professionals from across the fuels and convenience industry gather in Sacramento, CA to engage in meaningful discussions with the California Legislature, we’re pleased to welcome Assemblymember Heath Flora, who will serve as our keynote speaker for DATC this 2026. In this conversation, Heath breaks down fuel regulations, the push for cleaner energy, and the...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump , we celebrate Earth Week 2026 with a deep dive into E85 and its growing role in California’s energy future. Beatrice Lam is joined by special guest Jeff Wilkerson of Pearson Fuels to unpack the facts behind this renewable, cost-effective fuel and why it’s gaining momentum across the state. The conversation also touches on CFCA’s sponsored bill, AB 2046, which su...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump , we celebrate Women’s History Month by spotlighting a woman who has made a meaningful impact in the industry, featuring a special interview with respected industry veteran Julie Jackson with Jackson Advisory & Consulting. Tune in for an inspiring conversation as she reflects on her career transition from finance to retail, sharing how her experiences shaped...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice Lam interviews Joseph Farhat of CVW T-Lines, specializing in crafting store solutions that blend functionality with visual appeal. They explore what it really takes to elevate a convenience store or travel center from a simple stop to a standout destination. Joseph highlights the powerful role convenience stores and travel centers play in their local co...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice Lam interviews Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA). They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the fuels and convenience industry, focusing on the importance of education, advocacy, and innovation. Elizabeth shares insights on the unique aspects of gas station ownership, the impact of regulations, and...

Discover how AI is transforming theft prevention, store operations, and profitability in gas stations and convenience stores. In this episode of Beyond the Pump , Beatrice speaks with JinnLabs co-founder Harjeev Anand about JinnOS, an AI-powered store management platform designed to reduce shrinkage, detect theft in real time, improve inventory accuracy, and unlock data-driven insights for retaile...

California’s energy crisis isn’t coming — it’s already here. In this episode of Beyond the Pump , host Mikey Muscatello and co-host Beatrice sit down with USC professor and energy economist Michael Mische to break down the numbers behind California’s skyrocketing gas prices, refinery shutdowns, and growing dependence on foreign oil. Mische reveals why two major refineries (Phillips 66 and Valero)...

Insurance isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, claims, and protecting businesses in high-risk industries. In this episode, Relation Insurance’s James, Jeff, and Joe share decades of experience in sales and claims management. They discuss: What makes insurance unique in the fuels, trucking, and convenience industries Common claims like slips, falls, and driver fatigue—and how to prevent th...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Assemblymember Stan Ellis, a former oil and chemical processing expert now fighting for California’s energy future. From the real life impacts California can expect from upcoming refinery shutdowns to the hypocrisy of importing foreign oil while vilifying our own clean production, Ellis shares his raw and technical look into the...

NASCAR driver and Freedom Racing Enterprises co-owner Spencer Boyd joins Beyond The Pump to share what fuels his career—literally and figuratively. From navigating complex racing logistics and fuel consumption to dealing with regulatory red tape, Spencer offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the business side of motorsports. As the 2025 CFCA Summit keynote speaker, Spencer brings a unique, high-...

In this episode of Beyond The Pump , Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Ashley Boston, Risk & Compliance Manager at Strauch Companies—owner of 12 gas stations and convenience stores across Northern California. Ashley breaks down what went down at the Brentwood City Council meeting, where a harsh tobacco retail license ordinance blindsided local business owners. From the flawed logic behind licen...

California's energy policies are hitting small businesses, fuel retailers, and working families harder than ever. In this episode of Beyond The Pump , Mikey and Beatrice sit down with retired energy operations expert Leo Paulo to break down what's really happening behind the state's skyrocketing electricity rates, refinery shutdowns, and climate mandates. Leo shares firsthand insights from decades...

In this special Women’s History Month episode of Beyond The Pump , we sit down with Cathy Reheis-Boyd , President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) . With over four decades in the oil and gas industry, Cathy shares her unique journey from wildfire-fighting environmentalist to one of the most influential voices in California energy policy. We discuss: Her unexpected path in...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump , Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Elijah Harrison from Cintas to explore the company's growth, innovation, and culture. From Cintas' humble beginnings in 1929 to becoming an industry leader, Elijah shares insights on leadership, safety, and how Cintas partners with Cal/OSHA to stay ahead of compliance standards. If you're curious about corporate culture, safety...

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation is here, and it’s reshaping the trucking industry—at a steep price. This week, Mikey and Beatrice welcome Brad Williams of Capital Matrix Consulting. With decades of experience analyzing the fiscal impacts of state policies, Brad explains why ACF might cost California households $2,500 a year, what it means for small businesses, and why the state...

In this episode, we welcome Morgan Voss, VP of JB Dewar, and a powerhouse fourth-generation leader in California’s fuel industry. Morgan opens up about the challenges and pride that come with carrying on a 90-year family legacy in a male-dominated field. She shares how JB Dewar fuels essential sectors across California’s Central Coast from agriculture to emergency services and reflects on the bala...

In this episode of Beyond the Pump , Mikey and Bea arejoined by Alessandra Magnasco, CFCA’s Government Affairs and Regulatory Director, to break down the complex reality behind California’s skyrocketinggas prices. Alessandra explains the intricacies of ABX2-1, GovernorNewsom’s latest fuel regulation, and how it’s likely to impact consumers and businesses alike. From the state’s anti-fossil fuel po...

In this episode, hosts Mikey Muscatelo and Beatrice Lamb welcome Marla Carlson, General Chair of the Pacific Fuels and Convenience Summit. Marla shares her incredible journey from a small Nebraska town to becoming a trailblazing chemical engineer and a leading figure in the petroleum distribution industry. Listen in as she discusses overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated fi...

In this episode, Tammy Rozga shares her entrepreneurialjourney in the convenience and gas industry, discussing her decision to start her own business and the services provided by her company, Rozga Business Solutions. She highlights successful projects and the impact of gasstation bans on her work, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant in the industry. Tammy also discusses her company's f...

In this episode of "Beyond The Pump," Mikey & Bea talk with Chris Ballas, the CEO of Backgrounds Online , discussing the evolution and importance of background checks. Chris shares his extensive experience,detailing how Backgrounds Online began during the dot-com boom, initially aggregating public record data for private investigators and eventually shifting focus to HR departments for compreh...

In this episode of Beyond The Pump, we welcome the renowned podcaster and keynote speaker for the 2024 Pacific Fuels + Convenience Summit, Mark LaCour from the Oil and Gas Global Network. Mark takes us on a captivating journey through his 25-year career, sharing stories about the oil and gas industry's commitment to local communities and the environment. He also discusses the industry's high-tech...

Join special guest Jeff Wilkerson from Pearson Fuels as we celebrate Earth Week by discussing the exciting world of alternative fuels, particularly E85. With extensive experience in the fuel industry and a background in ethanol, Jeff explains how Pearson Fuels is exclusively focused on E85 and is experiencing substantial growth in California. Jeff emphasizes the affordability and environmental adv...

In this episode of Beyond The Pump, Shelly Thomas and Ben Marsh from Flyers Energy shared their extensive experiences in the fuel transportation industry. They discussed changes in regulations, environmental stewardship, and the challenges of recruiting drivers. The conversation also touched on the disconnect between industry efforts and public perception, how EVs are just part of the equation, ad...

Learn more about the California Fules + Convenience Alliance HERE ______________________________________________________ In our inaugural episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Taha Saleh, a prominent figure in the fuels industry. From spending his early years in the back of the family store to now owning and managing his own gas station, Taha shares his profound connection with the busi...